If there is anything good to come of a Trump presidency, it's that it's encouraged a surge of young people to run for offices like state legislatures, city councils and more. Adams County is no exception, and we are thrilled so many Young Dems are stepping up to run to represent us.

Leading up to the municipal elections on Nov. 7, we'll be profiling Young Dems running for city council seats in Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn and Aurora, giving you a chance to learn more about these remarkable people, their beliefs and their candidate platform.

Seth "Isaiah" Thomas, Candidate for Thornton City Council, Ward 2

What made you decide you wanted to run?

I decided to run after realizing that I could be the change that I wished to seek on our council. Just as I witnessed in our Adams 12 BOE, I also saw our city council needed just as much help, and it requires just as much involvement. We seek a leader that is passionate about issues that matter to our community. I want to be somebody who helps champion these causes, somebody who makes the difference in the lives of the people that live in this community.

How have your previous experiences, professionally and personally, made you the right candidate for this office?

I ran for the Adams 12 Board of Education. I have proven that I can win a local election in Adams County. Part of my district includes the area that I previously ran for. Many local elected officials have decided to take me under their wing and show me the path and how the political world works.

Has anything about your experience as a candidate surprised you?

What doesn't surprise me, for instance, is how many people don't realize that there is an election this November. What is surprising is how people do not understand that local elections can be decided on thin margin votes.

What are the most pressing issues facing your city and what will you do to address them?

I believe that the most pressing issues that matter most to our citizens are things like speeding, fireworks, traffic along Colorado Boulevard, marijuana, tax increases, the way tax dollars are spent, Neighborhood Services, bulk trash pickup, crime, affordable housing, economic development, and growth within our city.

Running for office can be rewarding, but difficult. What keeps you going?

I think the thing that keeps me going is the fact that I know I can make positive change and that I can help create positive public policy. I realize I can make real-life decisions that will impact people's lives that will make a difference for them.

What’s your favorite thing about where you live?

The community, the diversity, the fact that we are the sixth largest city in the state of Colorado and rapidly growing; and that we refuse to let anything stop us. We do not let anything get in our way. I like the fact that we are a large city, but have small tight-knit communities that stick together and look out for one another within our city. I like that we as a community are here to support each other.

Who do you look up to politically and why?

One of my greatest mentors is the person who currently holds the seat: Val Vigil. I first encountered the Vigil family when I was in 8th grade and went to Washington DC with his daughter. That's where politics started to run in my veins.

What was your first paid job?

My first paid job was with Highland Hills recreational District at Water World.

What’s your favorite TV show that you tell people you watch, and what’s your favorite TV show that you watch in secret?

My favorite TV show that I tell people I watch is House of Cards I don't believe I have a favorite TV show that I watch in secret.

What songs do you listen to for getting hyped up?

A remix version of Tracy Chapman Fast Car, Anything hip hop or pop.

How can Young Dems help in your race?

There are three main ways you can help me. A: donate money, campaigns are expensive and I always need donations. B: I need walkers, people to walk my district and help me knock on doors we have less than two months before the election. C: if you live in my district, vote for me.

What else should voters know about you?

I have called Thornton home for nearly 25 years. Thornton is the city I grew up in, as I watched our bedroom community grow into the thriving sixth largest city that it is today. Most of my family still lives within the city limits today. I became involved with our local government as a young adult, because I had the desire to be an inspirational leader for my community. As a long-term resident of the area, I felt it was my duty to have my voice heard. I started to attend City Council meetings and spoke frequently with our Mayor and City Council members. I gained relationships between local elected officials and myself, working on numerous issues facing my community. I want to promote and champion the needs and desires of my constitutes. I want every resident in Thornton to take advantage of the unlimited opportunities that our City has to offer. I believe it is my turn to give back to the community who has given me so much.